Journal article
Traditional, complementary and integrative medicine use in the UK population: results of a nationally representative cross-sectional survey
BMJ open, Vol.16(1), pp.1-10
16/01/2026
PMID: 41545039
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Objectives: To describe the prevalence and characteristics of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM) practice and product use by the population of the UK providing up-to-date data on the landscape of TCIM use in the UK.
Design, setting and participants: A cross-sectional online survey, administered using the Qualtrics platform, among adults (aged 18 years and over) residing in the UK (England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland). Data were collected between May and October 2024. The 40-item instrument covered four domains: demographics, health status, use of health products and practices, and use of health services. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise survey responses, and chi(2) tests were applied to assess associations between participant characteristics and TCIM use. Backwards stepwise logistic regression was conducted to identify predictors of TCIM use across four outcome categories (p <= 0.05).
Results: The sample (n=1559) was broadly representative of the UK population. Prevalence of any TCIM use over a 12-month period was 65.9% with 19.1% consulting a TCIM practitioner and 63.3% using any TCIM product or practice. Bodywork therapists (massage therapists 9.4%, chiropractors 7.9%, yoga teachers 5.0%) and homeopaths (4.1%) were the most commonly consulted TCIM practitioners and Anthroposophic doctors were the least commonly consulted (2.1%). Among TCIM products, vitamin and mineral supplements were the most commonly used (37.3%) and relaxation or meditation practices were reported by 19.4% of respondents. TCIM users were more likely to be female, identify as Asian or Black, have a chronic disease diagnosis, report good health, possess private health insurance, have a higher education level, be employed (or seeking employment) and sometimes experience financial management difficulties.
Conclusions: There is substantial use of TCIM across the UK adult population and there is a need for more research on integrating TCIM into mainstream healthcare and the National Health Service. Clear strategies are necessary to enhance communication between TCIM and conventional healthcare providers, ensure patient safety and promote person-centred, coordinated models of care.
Details
- Title
- Traditional, complementary and integrative medicine use in the UK population: results of a nationally representative cross-sectional survey
- Creators
- Esther T. Van Der Werf - Homeopathy Research InstituteHope Foley - University of Technology SydneyTristan Carter - University of Technology SydneyRachel Roberts - Homeopathy Research InstituteJon Adams - University of Technology SydneyAmie Steel - University of Technology Sydney
- Publication Details
- BMJ open, Vol.16(1), pp.1-10
- Publisher
- BMJ Publishing Group
- Number of pages
- 10
- Grant note
- This work was supported by grants from The Blackie Foundation Trust and Ann Hill Trust, plus public donations to the Homeopathy Research Institute.
- Identifiers
- 991013376465702368
- Copyright
- © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2026.
- Academic Unit
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article